Credited from: REUTERS
Drone strikes carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have led to significant power outages in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, and the surrounding state. On Wednesday night, two power stations were targeted, resulting in widespread blackout conditions and fires, as reported by the Sudanese Electrical Company. The attacks have compounded the ongoing humanitarian crisis, pushing more than 13 million individuals out of their homes and resulting in widespread famine and disease, with tens of thousands of deaths reported due to the civil conflict, according to AA and TRT Global.
The RSF has transitioned from traditional ground assaults to drone warfare, showcasing enhanced capabilities that have significantly affected military strategy. Authorities indicated that the recent attacks included strikes on the Al-Markhiat substation, which resulted in extensive damage and an urgent need for firefighting efforts. This new phase in the conflict has emphasized a strategy focused on targeting critical infrastructure to disrupt the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) operations, as discussed by BBC and Africa News.
As the RSF seeks to maintain pressure on the SAF, the use of drones has exacerbated the humanitarian situation, further disrupting essential services such as water supply, raising concerns about the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera. The UN has warned that the ongoing violence has resulted in the world's worst humanitarian conditions, creating a dire need for international intervention, according to Reuters and BBC.
The ongoing conflict, which began amid disputes over transitioning to civilian rule, has repeatedly seen shifts in momentum between the warring factions. Both sides have faced accusations of war crimes as the humanitarian toll escalates, raising questions about the long-term stability of the region. Experts suggest that without serious diplomatic efforts to address the conflict, the situation is unlikely to improve, as highlighted by TRT Global and Africa News.